Stage 24 From Glacier to Wine South Route Ratsch an der Weinstraße - Ehrenhausen

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 14,1 km

Time 5:00 h

Uphill 399 hm

Downhill 487 hm

Highest point 512 m

This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads directly through the heart of the South Steiermark wine country. It quickly becomes apparent why the final stages of the southern route are often described as increasingly focused on enjoyment and regional gastronomy. The landscape is characterised by a growing concentration of wineries, wine estates, vinotheques, and traditional Buschenschänken, many of which are set in spectacular locations overlooking the rolling vineyard-covered hills of southern Steiermark. A particular highlight is the Genussregal near Ehrenhausen, a unique visitor centre dedicated to the culinary specialities of the region. Through more than 40 interactive tasting stations, visitors can discover how high-quality local ingredients are transformed into exceptional products such as wine, pumpkin seed oil, vinegar, spirits, and many other regional delicacies. Combining wine culture, culinary experiences, and magnificent scenery, this stage perfectly showcases the pleasures for which South Steiermark is renowned.

The South Steiermark Nature Park is renowned for its fragrant, fresh, and expressive wines. While Sauvignon Blanc has become the region's flagship variety, the approximately 2,500 hectares of vineyards provide ideal conditions for a remarkable diversity of grape varieties, ranging from Welschriesling, Morillon, and Muskateller to Traminer and many others.

The quality and character of the wines are shaped by an equally diverse range of soils. Across South Steiermark, vineyards are rooted in sand, slate, marl, and limestone, each contributing distinctive characteristics to the wines produced here.

The region's warm and humid Mediterranean-influenced climate ensures a long growing season, while the cool nights typical of the area help preserve freshness and promote the development of complex aromas. These conditions are particularly beneficial for white wine varieties, allowing them to develop exceptional elegance, depth, and a remarkable range of flavour nuances.

Together, climate, soil, and centuries of winemaking expertise make South Steiermark one of Europe's most distinctive white wine regions.

Best season

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More information

Detaillierte Informationen zur Anreise finden Sie hier.

Starting in Ratsch an der Weinstraße, this stage quickly returns to the Styrian-Slovenian border region, which has accompanied us throughout the previous stages from Eibiswald in Schilcherland. After a short initial ascent, we reach the Bullmann Winery, where a heart-shaped bench invites hikers to pause and enjoy the magnificent surroundings.

Remaining close to the border, the route passes through some of the most celebrated vineyard landscapes of South Steiermark. On clear days, the panoramic views extend as far as Graz and Maribor. Along the way, renowned wine estates such as those of Manfred Tement and the Polz brothers line the route, reflecting the region's international reputation for exceptional wines.

A particular highlight is the Plač Lookout Tower on the Slovenian side in the municipality of Kungota. Climbing the tower rewards visitors with unforgettable panoramic views across the rolling vineyard-covered hills that define this unique cross-border landscape.

Afterwards, the trail turns northwards again and descends towards the vineyards of Erich and Walter Polz. Before reaching the estate, a visit to the South Steiermark Garden created by Renate Polz is highly recommended. Her Terroir South Steiermark Garden is a true hidden gem within the South Steiermark Nature Park, featuring cypress trees, avenues of lavender, historic roses, herbs, fruit trees, and beehives that lend the garden a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.

The final section of this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine continues through a gently undulating landscape towards Ehrenhausen. Along the way, countless wineries and traditional Buschenschänken offer opportunities to stop and immerse oneself in the relaxed lifestyle and hospitality of southern Steiermark.

From Hoch-Graßnitzberg, the route continues via Graßnitzberg and Berghausen. To the right rises the Rosenberg, a vineyard site whose name is well known among wine enthusiasts and is associated with some of the region's finest wines. Meadows, forests, and vineyards accompany the final kilometres, passing the LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort Südsteiermark, which sits on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape.

As we approach Ehrenhausen, the castle of the same name can already be seen rising above the village. Arriving in this charming wine-growing community, which marks the beginning of the famous South Styrian Wine Road, visitors are greeted by an attractive historic centre and a wealth of cultural attractions.

Among the highlights are the Mausoleum of Ruprecht von Eggenberg, the Baroque parish and pilgrimage church with its remarkable organ, and Ehrenhausen Castle itself.

Tip: Spend the evening exploring historic Ehrenhausen and enjoy the atmosphere in one of its excellent restaurants, wine taverns, or wine bars, such as those of Erzherzog Johann Weine, before setting off on the final stage of the southern route towards Leibnitz.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 200 excursion destinations when you stay overnight in one of the approximately 100 GenussCard partner establishments. Countless of these GenussCard excursion destinations, ranging from culinary manufactories to bathing lakes and museums, are located directly on the hiking route "From Glacier to Wine".

Detailed information about arriving by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) can be found at www.oebb.at or on the Verbundlinie Steiermark website www.busbahnbim.at

With Verbundlinie’s BusBahnBim route planner app, planning your journey has never been easier: simply enter towns and/or addresses, stop names or points of interest to check all bus, train and tram connections in Austria. The app is available free of charge for smartphones – on Google Play and in the App Store

There are several parking options available in Ratsch an der Weinstraße. Please note that in autumn, especially on weekends, the parking lots can be very crowded.

Steiermark Tourismus

Tel. +43 316 4003

info@steiermark.com

www.steiermark.com/en

If you would like to hire a tour operator, simply book with Steiermark Touristik, the official travel agency of Steiermark Tourismus:

Tel. +43 316 4003 450,

www.steiermark-touristik.com

The Steiermark Touren app, available free of charge on Google Play and the App Store (Android, iOS), offers detailed first-hand information: brief facts (length, duration, difficulty, ascent and descent/elevation gain, ratings), map, route descriptions, altimeter, compass, peak finder, navigation along the tour. You can also create your own personal lists of favourite tours and sites, store tours and destinations offline, use social media channels, and much more.

Gratis Pocket Card Wanderroute "Vom Gletscher zum Wein" finden Sie auf www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK224 Steirisches Weinland- Stainz, Sausal, Sulmtal, Leibnitz www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK411 Steirisches Weinland · Südwest Steiermark www.freytagberndt.at

Rother Wanderführer "Vom Gletscher zum Wein": auf 160 Seiten mit 80 Farbabbildungen 60 Höhenprofile, 60 Wanderkärtchen im Maßstab 1:75.000, zwei Übersichtskarten, GPS-Tracks zum Download, Format 11,5 x 16,5 cm, kartoniert mit Polytex-Laminierung, ISBN 978-3-7633-4550-2, www.rother.de